…As SanwoOlu, Austen-Peters Promise To Thrill Audiences
It’s theatre time in Lagos this week as twenty-five stage plays, among which are three International showpieces, headline the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) 2024 which kicks off this Thursday, November 14, 2024.
The festival, in its first year, will run for four days from Thursday to Sunday November 17th across four iconic venues in the sprawling Lagos metropolis.
The four-day line-up, according to the Terra Kukture Group, the organisers of the festival, is designed to celebrate culture, creativity and community, promising an immersive journey through the vibrant world of theatre, live performances, workshops, and more.
With 25 plays lined up across the four venues at the Terra Kulture Arena, MUSON Centre, University of Lagos and Glover Hall, festival goers will also savour three international shows from the United States of America, South Africa and Zambia.
At a ceremony to formally announce the festival last Tuesday, November 5, at the Lagos House in Marina, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide SanwoOlu said the state was pleased and committed to partner with the Terra Kulture team to give Lagosians a beautiful experience throughout the four days of the festival.
SanwoOlu said he nursed no hesitation in signing off as the lead sponsor of the festival, adding that he hopes the festival will assist the state in promoting the idea of an arts and culture calendar that will guide residents and visitors coming to the state on where to go and what to see.
“Our hope is to use this brilliant initiative to support theatre practitioners and to encourage listing art activities ahead so that visitors to our state can have an idea of what each month offers for them.”
The founder of LITF and celebrated film and theatre producer, Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters, also said the festival would be a fanfare to celebrate talents, showcase authentic African stories and provide platforms for quality engagements.
She added that this maiden edition of LITF coincides with the 20th anniversary of the founding of Terra Kulture Group by her.
“After several world-class plays that we have promoted locally and internationally and after training more than 26,000 youngsters through the Terra Academy for the Arts, we are delighted to be using LITF to draw attention to live theatre, determined to to lead the charge that stage plays are alive and well in Nigeria.”
Throughout the festival, each of the venues will be transformed into a theatrical hub, buzzing with vendors and interactive activities, making LITF a truly immersive experience.
The organisers said LITF aims to celebrate and promote the richness of Nigerian and African theatre by providing a platform for local and international artists to showcase their talents.
“The festival seeks to bridge the gap between traditional and contemporary theatre, fostering cultural exchange and collaboration.
“LITF amplifies the magic of theatre; drama, musical, spoken word and experimental theatre, showcasing the best of Nigerian and African storytelling. It offers branded opportunities and experiences that delivers matchless impact and visibility.”
The three international plays featuring at the festival are:
Satchmo at the Waldorf (United States)
A one-man portrayal of jazz legend Louis Armstrong, reflecting on race, betrayal, and the price of fame in the final days of his life.
METSI (South Africa)
A spiritual and dramatic story of love and survival in a flood ridden community, exploring the challenges of life and the forces that shape human destiny.
Without A Kiss (Zambia)
A raw and powerful exploration of lost love, domestic violence, and the systemic struggles faced by vulnerable women in an unjust world.
Here is the outline of what to expect at the festival:
November 14 – Workshops
Venue: John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture
Time:12:00pm – 4:00pm
Kickstart the festival with engaging workshops designed to support and inspire creatives in the arts.
Interactive workshops covering a wide range of topics- the role of insurance and finance in the creative arts, dramatic story telling reading workshop and the role of radio in theatre arts.
November 15 – Opening Night Celebration
Venue: Terra Kulture
Time: 6:00 PM
The festival officially opens at Terra Kulture with a grand evening of theatrical performance by BAP Productions. Expect an unforgettable showcase of Nigerian talent and artistry, setting the stage for an exciting weekend of drama, laughter, and cultural
exchange.
November 16-17 – Theatre comes alive at Four Iconic Locations.
25 plays will be performed across four iconic Lagos venues: Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, University of Lagos and Glover Hall.
From 12pm to 8pm each day, plays will run simultaneously, creating a vibrant hub of art and culture all over the city.
Each location will have dedicated festival grounds with:
•Vendor Stalls for snacks, drinks, arts, and crafts.
•Sponsor Booths for brand activation.
•Face Painting and activities for kids and the young at heart.
•Drinks/Food Village where festival goers can sit and relax while they wait for their shows.
•Games and Interactive Activities for all ages.
The festival promises a bustling, family-friendly atmosphere where audiences can
engage with live theatre and Lagos’ local artisans alike.
Closing Night – November 17
Venue: Terra Kulture
Time:7:00 PM
Wrap up the festival with Broda Shaggi, who will bring his unique humour, celebrity guest appearances, and high-energy skits to the Terra Kulture stage, delivering an entertaining finale that celebrates the power of performance and laughter.
